VIA PRESS RELEASE | In commemoration of Viola Beach’s self-titled debut album, and its subsequent ascent to the top of the UK Album Charts, fans can now purchase a vinyl edition of the posthumous album today.
The vinyl has been released via Fuller Bean Records, the label set up by the band and their manager. The LP is specially designed with a rainbow coloured picture disc, paying homage to the rainbow umbrellas that the band were once photographed with and became symbolic of them in the wake of their tragic accident in 2016. This poignant vinyl edition release has been welcomed by the families as a fitting celebration of what the bandmates and their manager did best together, make and perform wonderful music.
“I would like to thank SJM and other organisations for the continued support we as families have received. I am very proud that the boys’ album is released on vinyl. I’m sure Kristian would have been too. Kris and the boys’ lives will continue through their music.” —Lisa Leonard
“The family of Tom would like to thank everyone at SJM & Communion Records who have made this re-release possible and to everybody out there who has listened to their music over the past 5 years. As a family we are immensely proud of Tom and the re-release of the albums is a lasting tribute to the boy’s passion, music and friendship.” —The Lowe Family
“Thank you so much to all of those who have made this rainbow of dreams wrapped up in vinyl possible. The boys would be proud and humbled.” —Jo and Loren Dakin
“The continued support from the music industry is overwhelming. Being a family of vinyl collectors, Craig would love that the album is released on vinyl. We’re so proud of him, Kris, Jack, Tom & River and always will be.” —Colin, Diane & Sarah Tarry
“River Reeves’ family both in Penzance and Warrington would like to thank all at SJM and Communion Records who have made this special re-release possible. Our most precious memories are of River making music and performing. We want the world to know that through the music, River along with his bandmates and manager will continue to live on in all our lives. Let’s get it back up the charts where it belongs!” —Ben & Sharon Dunne
Viola Beach were an indie-rock band formed in Cheshire in 2013, consisting of four-band members: singer/guitarist Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bassist Tomas Lowe, and drummer Jack Dakin. Their self-titled debut album was released in July 2016, months after an accident tragically claimed their lives, and that of their manager, Craig Tarry. The reaction from the industry and public was an outpouring of widespread support, with the album going to number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Various tributes were held for the band, including a social media campaign, started by fans to get their 2015 single “Swings and Waterslides” to the top of the UK Singles charts, and drew support from the likes of Liam Gallagher, Kasabian, and The Stone Roses. Furthermore, Coldplay paid tribute to the band during their set at Glastonbury Festival, with Chris Martin leading the tribute by covering their song “Boys That Sing” and asking the world to help create Viola Beach’s “alternate future.”
In Warrington, the hometown of the band, a special tribute festival, RivFest was organised in 2017 by River Reeves’ family with headline appearances from Maxïmo Park and Billy Bragg. Following the success of this event, the River Reeves Foundation now raises money and awards bursaries to talented musicians and performers from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented communities across the North West. The foundation continues to create “alternate futures” and provides a fitting legacy for River, the performing artist and member of Viola Beach.
The special vinyl edition celebrates Viola Beach and marks the first time a vinyl edition of the album will be available. Order your copy here.
